Business Visitor Visa Application for Canada

Before you apply for a Canada business visa application, you must have detailed knowledge of business visa requirements. Entrepreneurs must learn more about eligibility and requirements to enter Canada as business visitors. Citizens of Canadian visa-exempt countries can apply for Canada eTA for their business trips to Canada.

In the global market, Canada is known as an economically stable country. It has the 10th largest GDP by nominal. When it comes to GDP by PPP, it found itself in the 6th position. Canada serves as the ideal test for the USA, as it is one of the major entry points to the United States market. Moreover, if you compare both, then you will find that business costs in general are 15% higher in the USA than in Canada. Hence, Canada has a lot to offer to global businesses. From those entrepreneurs who want to start a new business in Canada to the ones who have a successful business in their home country and are looking forward to expanding their business, to seasoned businessmen or investors, all get several opportunities in the country. If you want to explore new business opportunities in Canada, a short-term trip to the country can be of great help.

Every visitor to Canada who is travelling from a country that does not have a visa exemption is required to get a tourist or Business visa for Canada. The country of Canada has a favourable rating on the ease of doing business rankings, which means that if you want to create a business there, you will be able to take advantage of world-class facilities and solid rules that will be favourable to your plans. Canada is one of the greatest locations to conduct business. Additionally, it serves as a platform for international conventions, conferences, and seminars to take place. On the other hand, in order to take advantage of all the economic advantages that Canada has to offer, you will first need to acquire a business visa.

How Fast can I Obtain a Business Visa for Canada?

Canada eTA process is quick, so you can receive a Canada eTA within 72 hours of submitting the application form. In some cases, there can be delays in the application process. The Canada eTA option is suitable only for short-term stays. Your business visit or stay in Canada must be within 180 days (6 months).

Who is a Business Visitor?

Following are scenarios in which you will be considered a business visitor:

If you are visiting Canada temporarily to

• Invest in Canada
• Look for opportunities to grow your business
• Pursue and prolong your business relationships

If you want to visit Canada to take part in international business activities and are not part of the Canadian labour market. Business visitors having Canada eTA can stay in the country for a few weeks up to 6 months on a temporary visit.

A work permit is not required by business visitors. A business visitor to Canada is not a businessperson who has come to join Canada’s labour market under a free trade agreement.

Learn more about eligibility and requirements to enter Canada as a business visitor in our Guide for Business Visitors to Canada.

Describe a Business Visitor as far as Canada Visa Regulation is Concerned?

A business traveller enters Canada with the intention of pursuing a commercial interest or engaging in economic activity.

The expectation is that they will not enter the labour market in pursuit of employment or receive payment directly for the services that they provide. It is possible for business visitors to attend a business meeting or conference, or they may be requested by a Canadian firm to take part in a training session, test a product, or carry out a business function on behalf of their principal.

As a brief overview, a business traveller travels to Canada in order to

• Develop your professional connections
• Put money into the economy of Canada
• Investigate the possibilities that exist for expanding their firm in Canada

Canada Business Visas

There is a wide variety of business visas available, and some of them allow travellers to stay in Canada for a period of up to six months. Additionally, the Canadian government may grant the visa in the form of a single entry or multiple entrance visa through its embassies or consulates.

There are two types of visas: single-entry visas and multiple-entry visas. Single-entry visas are for vacationers who are only going to visit Canada once, while multiple-entry visas are for people who visit Canada frequently.

Which Sectors Offer the Best Business Opportunities in Canada?

For immigrants, the following are the top 5 (five) Business Opportunities in Canada:

• Wholesale & retail
• Agriculture - Canada is a global leader in agriculture
• Construction
• Commercial fishing and seafood
• Software and technical services

How can One Enter Canada as a Business Visitor?

You will either need an eTA Canada Visa (Electronic Travel Authorization) or a valid Canadian visa to enter Canada on a short-term business trip.  The eligibility to choose a visa or eTA depends on your citizenship or passport type. If you are a citizen of one of the Visa-Exempt countries, you are eligible to apply for a Canada eTA.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for a Business Visitor?

• No intention to join the Canadian labour market 
• Planning a short stay in Canada which is up to 6 months or less
• Managing a stable and thriving business outside of Canada (in your home country)
• Must have all the necessary travel documents
• Proper return plans such as return tickets before the expiry of your Canadian Visa or eTA
• Should not be associated with any kind of health or security risk
• Financial stability proof to cover your entire stay in Canada

Difference Between a Canada Work Permit and a Business Visa

One should not get confused between a Canadian work permit and a business visitor visa, because both are quite different. As a business visitor, one cannot enter the Canadian workforce. If you are a business visitor with a Canadian business visa, you will be allowed only short-term stays in Canada for business activities. The permitted activities are site visits, industry conferences, meetings or training. On the other hand, if you are employed by a Canadian company or transferred to Canada by your company, you will need a work permit.

Allowed Business Activities in Canada

Once you fulfill all your Canada business visa requirements and get your Canada business visa, you are allowed to do the following activities:

• Taking orders for business services or goods
• Attending business meetings, conferences or trade fairs
• Giving post-sales business service
• Purchasing Canadian goods or services
• Attending business training by a Canadian parent company for which you are working from outside Canada
• Attending training by a Canadian company with whom you are in a business relationship

Documents Required for Business Visitors Before Entering Canada

There are a few business visa requirements that you need to follow. When you arrive at the Canadian border, make sure that you have the following documents handy and in order. Keep in mind that the Canada Border Services Agent (CBSA) has the right to declare you inadmissible if you fail to produce the following documents:

• A valid Canadian visa or eTA
• A passport that is valid for the whole duration of your stay in Canada
• Financial proof to support yourself financially during your stay in Canada and to return home
• Letter of invitation or letter of support from your Canadian business host or Canadian parent company
• Contact details of your business host

Canada Business Visa Application Process

The business visa application process is simple. Business visitors to Canada need to follow the normal application procedure for a visitor visa, or TRV (Temporary Resident Visa). One additional thing they need to do is to indicate that they are entering the country for business activities. At their port of entry, business visitors may need to show proof of their activities to the border services officer.

However, business visitors may be visa-exempt if they come from any of the visa-exempt countries. In these cases, the individual may still need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) if they arrive in Canada by air. As a business visitor, you may bring your family members with you, but whoever is accompanying you must complete their own Canada eTA.

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Check your eligibility for eTA Canada Visa and apply for eTA Canada Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. Citizens of many countries including British citizens, Polish citizens, Spanish citizens, Greek citizens and French citizens can apply online for eTA Canada Visa.